Tenerife: Snorkel with Turtles

Seeing a sea turtle glide past you in open water is the main draw here, and the setting helps. You leave Marina del Sur by speedboat and head along the protected Malpais de Rasca area before spending about an hour in the water. The turtles live there year-round, so this is a wildlife encounter, not a staged animal show.

I like the small-group format and the calm, careful approach around the animals. I also like that the price includes the boat, wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, instruction, insurance, and photos. The main caution is simple: turtles are wild animals, and poor visibility, cold water, or rough conditions can reduce what you see.

Key points to know before booking

• Turtle swimming in open water: You may see turtles close by, along with rays and other marine life, but sightings are not guaranteed.
• 25-minute speedboat ride each way: The route passes through the protected Malpais de Rasca area and gives you a view of Tenerife from the sea.
• About one hour in the water: The snorkeling portion is the heart of the trip, with an instructor nearby to guide you and help you watch the animals respectfully.
• Small groups and personal guidance: The activity is designed to feel attentive rather than crowded, with a freediving instructor giving safety instructions and pointing out marine life.
• Equipment and photos included: Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, insurance, and photographs are provided. Underwater video costs extra or is not included.
• A real weather and visibility gamble: One poor experience involved cold water, unsuitable equipment, and almost no visibility, so keep your expectations flexible.

Leaving Las Galletas for Malpais de Rasca

Your meeting point is dock 5 at Marina del Sur in Las Galletas Harbour. Arrive 20 minutes before departure, giving the crew time to check you in and fit your equipment. The provider contacts you the day before by WhatsApp or email to ask for your clothing and equipment sizes, so answer that message promptly.

The boat ride takes about 25 minutes each way. That is not just transport to the snorkeling spot. It is part of the outing, taking you along the coast near Malpais de Rasca, a protected natural area that looks different from the water than it does from land.

You will be on a speedboat, so expect a brisk ride rather than a slow sightseeing cruise. The sea can affect how comfortable that ride feels. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where you feel most stable and consider preparing before you arrive, though the supplied information does not specify a particular seating area or motion-sickness policy.

The route also helps explain the price. You are paying for a boat outing, marine equipment, an instructor, insurance, and photographs, not simply access to a beach and a rental mask. At $81 per person, the cost is fair if you value guided wildlife watching and do not already have your own gear. It is less compelling if you only want a short, independent swim close to shore.

What the one-hour snorkeling session feels like

At the snorkeling site, the instructor gives you the necessary instructions before you enter the water. You need to be able to swim, but previous snorkeling experience is not required. That makes the trip suitable for a first-time snorkeler who is comfortable in open water and willing to follow directions.

The instructor is described as an experienced freediving professional, with Spanish and English available. The useful part of this setup is not fancy technique. It is having someone nearby who can help you settle your breathing, watch the group, identify animals, and remind everyone to give the turtles room.

The goal is respectful observation. You should not chase, touch, block, or crowd the animals. Turtles can appear calm and approachable, but that does not mean they want contact. A careful guide can help you get a good look without turning the encounter into a pursuit.

The water time is listed as about one hour. That is enough for a meaningful wildlife outing, but it is not a full-day snorkeling program. The schedule leaves about 50 minutes for the return boat ride and the initial journey, so the whole activity fits neatly into a two-hour morning or afternoon.

You may see more than turtles. Rays have been spotted on the outing, and other marine life may appear below you. The clearest conditions can make the seabed and animals easy to see, but visibility changes. One especially unhappy participant reported seeing almost nothing because the water was cloudy, while other outings had calm, clear water and plenty of marine life.

That contrast matters. The turtle encounter has a high probability, but it cannot be promised. The operator is working in the animals’ natural home, where visibility and wildlife behavior are beyond anyone’s control. Book this as a chance to see turtles, not as a guaranteed photo session.

Why the small group matters

A small group is one of the strongest features of this activity. In the water, a crowded group can scatter quickly, and people at the back may miss the animal everyone else is watching. A more personal setup gives the instructor a better chance to keep track of swimmers and point out wildlife.

It also supports the conservation message. The stated aim is to avoid affecting the turtles, and the instructor helps the group keep a respectful distance. That is good for the animals and better for you, since a quiet approach usually gives you a more natural view.

The experience is not private unless your booking says so, and the exact group size is not provided. Still, the activity is specifically described as small-group and personalized. If avoiding large boat crowds is important to you, confirm the group size before paying.

The guide’s attitude seems just as important as the equipment. The strongest accounts describe an instructor who explained the animals, watched the group closely, and made sure everyone had a chance to see what was below. That is the kind of help a first-time snorkeler appreciates.

Equipment, warmth, and comfort in the water

The price includes a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins. The provider asks for your sizes in advance, which should make fitting faster at the marina. Bring your own swimwear and towel.

The equipment has generally been described as being in good condition, and you may be allowed to use your own wetsuit. Still, fit matters. A loose mask can fill with water, and an unsuitable wetsuit can make a one-hour session miserable, especially if the water feels cold.

One participant gave a serious warning about inadequate warmth during the activity. That complaint should not be ignored. Sea temperature, wind, personal comfort, and the fit of the wetsuit can all affect how you feel. If you get cold easily, tell the instructor before entering the water and check that the suit fits properly.

You must be a swimmer. This is not a pool lesson or a flotation outing. Children under eight cannot take part, and anyone who is not comfortable swimming should choose a different activity.

Previous snorkeling experience is helpful but not mandatory. For a beginner, the best preparation is knowing how to breathe through a snorkel, stay calm if water enters the mask, and follow the guide’s instructions. You do not need advanced skills, but you do need basic confidence in the sea.

Photos are a useful extra, not the main prize

Photos are included, which adds value at $81. They give you something to remember the trip without requiring you to manage a camera while watching the animals.

Set your expectations carefully. The available information confirms that photos are provided, but one account reported receiving only boat photographs and no underwater images. Video is specifically not included. If underwater photos are important to you, ask the crew what kind of pictures they provide on your departure date.

You may bring a personal action camera if the operator allows it, and one participant used a GoPro. However, the activity information does not promise camera support, mounts, or permission for every type of device. Ask before bringing bulky equipment, and do not let photography distract you from safe swimming or respectful animal watching.

The best memory may not be a perfect picture. Murky water, a fast-moving turtle, or a busy group can make underwater photography hit-or-miss. The real value is the chance to see the animals directly, with the photos as a bonus.

How the time is divided

The schedule is straightforward:

• You meet at Marina del Sur, dock 5, 20 minutes before the start.
• The speedboat travels for about 25 minutes toward the snorkeling area.
• You spend about one hour snorkeling and observing marine life.
• The boat returns to Marina del Sur in about 25 minutes.

This timing makes the activity easy to fit around other plans in southern Tenerife. You are not committing a full day, and the return to the same marina keeps the logistics simple.

The tradeoff is that the actual time in the water is limited. After changing, briefing, boarding, and traveling, the main snorkeling session is about an hour. That is plenty for a focused wildlife encounter, but people wanting several different sites or a relaxed beach day should choose a longer outing.

Starting times vary, so check availability when booking. The supplied information does not identify a fixed morning departure. An early outing may offer calmer water, but that is not guaranteed, and you should not assume that every departure has the same visibility.

The strongest reasons to book

I would put this tour near the top of your list if you want a guided sea experience without spending a whole day on a boat. The turtles are the clear attraction, but the protected coastal route, rays, and personal instruction add depth to the outing.

It is also a good pick for someone who wants help rather than a fully independent swim. The instructor can explain what you are seeing and help you feel secure in the water. That matters more than a slick sales pitch when you are sharing open water with wildlife.

The included equipment and insurance reduce the need to organize separate rentals. The included photos are another small but worthwhile benefit, especially if you are traveling without an underwater camera.

The provider also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those terms are useful when weather, family plans, or a changing Tenerife schedule make advance planning difficult.

The reasons to think twice

Do not book this if you cannot swim. Do not book it if you need guaranteed turtle sightings, guaranteed underwater photos, or guaranteed clear water. The activity takes place in nature, and those promises would be unrealistic.

You should also reconsider if you dislike speedboat rides or get cold quickly. The boat trip is a meaningful part of the outing, but it may feel uncomfortable in rough conditions. The water session can also be less enjoyable if your wetsuit does not fit well.

Families with young children need to note the age limit. Children under eight are not accepted, and non-swimmers cannot participate. Older children may be suitable if they can swim confidently and follow instructions, but the provided information does not give a separate child policy for ages eight and above.

Finally, the overall rating is 4.2 out of 5 from 71 ratings. That suggests a generally positive experience, while also signaling that conditions and expectations can make a real difference. The strongest outings had calm, clear water, good equipment, attentive instruction, turtles, and sometimes rays. The weakest account involved cold, poor visibility, and disappointment with the boat ride.

Should you book this turtle snorkeling trip?

Book it if your priority is a short, guided wildlife outing with a good chance of seeing turtles in their natural setting. The small groups, attentive instruction, protected coastal route, included equipment, insurance, and photos make the $81 price reasonable for many people.

I would be more cautious if you are a serious snorkeler expecting long water time, guaranteed underwater photography, or perfect visibility. Ask about sea conditions, water temperature, equipment, and the photo format before you go.

For a confident swimmer who wants one memorable marine encounter in Tenerife, this is a sensible choice. Keep your expectations natural rather than theatrical, respect the turtles’ space, and treat clear water and close sightings as fortunate extras.

FAQ

Where does the snorkeling tour start?

It starts at Marina del Sur, Las Galletas Harbour, at dock 5.

How long does the activity last?

The full activity lasts two hours.

How long is the boat ride?

The speedboat ride takes about 25 minutes each way.

How much time do I spend snorkeling?

The snorkeling portion lasts about one hour.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. There is a high probability of seeing turtles, but they are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience?

No. Previous snorkeling experience is helpful but not required. You must be able to swim.

What equipment is included?

The price includes a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, boat transport, an instructor, insurance, and photos.

Is underwater video included?

No. Video is not included. Photos are included, but the exact type of photographs can vary.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. You should also arrive at the marina 20 minutes before the scheduled start.

Can children join the activity?

Children under eight cannot participate. Non-swimmers are also not allowed to join.

What languages does the instructor speak?

Instruction is available in Spanish and English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.